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9 places to visit in the Foça district of Izmir: Mediterranean Monk Seal Habitat, Foça Coves and Foça Castle. Plan your trip to Foça with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Foça is a district about 69 km north-west of İzmir city centre. It is thought that Foça first appeared in Antiquity as an Ionian settlement, and took the name Phokaia from the seals living in its sea.

History

Phokaia was founded by the Aeolians in the 11th century BC and became one of the important settlements of Ionia. The Foça people were known as skilful sailors, and founded many colonies in the Aegean, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The Phokaians are known as one of the first to strike the ‘electron’ coin, from a natural gold-silver alloy in Ionia. In 1455, after the conquest of Istanbul, Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II took Foça and added it to Ottoman territory.

Geography

Foça has clean air for most of the year, as the poyraz wind blows. Old Foça stretches along two coves: Büyükdeniz, a large cove, and Küçükdeniz, a smaller cove where a medieval castle stands. Many areas of the district are under strict environmental protection.

Fauna

Foça is one of the habitats of the Mediterranean monk seal, whose numbers are steadily declining. It is known that the Mediterranean monk seal has often been protected by fishermen. Foça is one of the three marine protected areas established in Türkiye for the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal, an endangered marine mammal.

Culture

The festivals held in Foça since 2004 are known as the International Foça Festival. Foça has many historic and tourist sites from various periods.

History and Culture

Foça was annexed to Ottoman territory by Mehmed II in 1455. The Phokaians were famous skilled sailors with boats that had 50 oars and could carry 500 passengers. Excavations carried out since 1953 have uncovered a Hellenistic-period theatre and the Temple of Athena.

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Places to Visit in Foça

  • 2 Historic
  • 3 Ancient City
  • 4 Nature

Historic Sites 2

Foça Castle - Foça Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source
Historic

Foça Castle

A castle built in the Genoese period, overlooking the harbour of Foça. The castle walls offer views of the Aegean Sea and the coves of Foça.

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Historic

Beşkapılar Castle

Beşkapılar Castle, built in the Ottoman period, lies to the south of Foça. Its position on the seashore makes for an impressive view.

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Ancient Cities 3

Ancient City

Phokaia Ancient City

The ancient city of Phokaia, founded on the site where Foça now stands.

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Ancient City

Persian Tomb Monument (Taş Ev)

Located 7 km east of Foça, this was built for Persian commanders and is one of the rare Persian structures in Anatolia.

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Ancient City

Şeytan Hammam

An ancient family tomb carved into the rock at the foot of Can Dede Hill.

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Natural Wonders 4

Nature

Mediterranean Monk Seal Habitat

A natural conservation area protecting the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.

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Nature

Foça Coves

The district's various coves are important places for tourism and water sports.

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Foça Coves - Foça Photo: Hakan SAVAŞ78 (CC BY 3.0) · Source
Nature

Foça Coves

The sheltered coves around Foça, with clear waters and natural beauty, are ideal for boat trips and swimming. Siren Rocks are protected as a Mediterranean monk seal habitat.

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Nature

Büyükdeniz and Küçükdeniz Coves

Two coves in Old Foça; a medieval castle stands at Küçükdeniz.

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Places to Visit Around Izmir Province

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While you are in Foça, you can also see the highlights of Izmir province. These places are in other districts.

  • Ephesus Ancient City — An ancient city in Selçuk that was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. Its most important structures are the 2nd-century Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre seating 25,000, Curetes Street and the Terraced Houses with their frescoes and mosaics.
  • Pergamon Acropolis (Bergama) — Capital of the Hellenistic Kingdom of Pergamon, famous for its theatre on a steep slope, the Temple of Trajan and the foundation of the Altar of Zeus, which is now displayed in Berlin.
  • Temple of Artemis — The remains of the temple, counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in Selçuk; only a single column still stands today.
  • House of the Virgin Mary — On Mount Bülbül near Selçuk, a house believed in Christian tradition to be where Mary spent her last years; identified in 1891, it is an important pilgrimage site that many popes have visited.
  • Izmir Clock Tower — A 25-metre tower in Konak Square, built in 1901 for the 25th anniversary of Abdülhamid II's accession to the throne; it is the symbol of the city.
  • Kemeraltı Bazaar and Kızlarağası Caravanserai — A historic bazaar that grew from the 17th century onwards as the shoreline was filled in; with its caravanserais, mosques, synagogues and narrow lanes it is the heart of the city.

Practical Information for Visiting Foça

Suggested time
1–2 days
Best time to visit
Summer months (June–September)
Places to visit
9 places

What to Eat in Foça

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  • Foça Fish

    Fresh fish and seafood caught in the Aegean are served at Foça's seafront restaurants with olive oil and herbs.

  • Ege Mezeleri (Aegean meze)

    Aegean mezes served at Foça's meyhanes, made of dishes such as olive oil-dressed wild herbs, sea purslane and octopus salad.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Foça

  • Ancient Phokaia Heritage

    Foça is the heir of the ancient city of Phokaia. In the 6th century BC, the Phokaians were among the greatest seafaring and colonising peoples of the Mediterranean. They founded many colonies, including Marseille (Massalia).

Local Products

  • Foça Olive Oil — Cold-pressed olive oil made from the olive groves around Foça, one of the finest oils of the Aegean.

Economy

Foça's economy is based on tourism, fishing and olive growing. Summer tourism and boat tours are important sources of income.

How to Get to Foça

Foça is 70 km from İzmir. Minibus and bus services run regularly to İzmir.

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Foça: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to see in Foça?

The top 9 places in Foça are Mediterranean Monk Seal Habitat, Foça Coves, Foça Castle, Beşkapılar Castle, Foça Coves, Phokaia Ancient City, Persian Tomb Monument (Taş Ev), Şeytan Hammam and Büyükdeniz and Küçükdeniz Coves.

What is there to eat in Foça?

Foça Fish and Ege Mezeleri are the standout flavours on Foça's tables.

What is Foça famous for?

Foça is known for Foça Olive Oil and its Ancient Phokaia Heritage. Cold-pressed olive oil from the olive groves around Foça is among the finest oils of the Aegean.

How do I get to Foça?

Foça is 70 km from İzmir. Minibus and bus services run regularly to İzmir.

How many days should I spend in Foça?

The recommended visit is 1–2 days. The best time to visit is the summer months (June–September).

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